Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike Review

Who is the Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike for?

Recommended for any one looking for a simple inexpensive road bike

For riders wishing to get back into the routine of riding and want a durable single speed bicycle, the Takara Kabuto Single Speed road bike makes quite the affordable catch. It’s not built for racing, but it can certainly handle anything a large or small city can throw its way. Because it’s a single speed bike, maintenance is very low compared with multiple-gear bikes. Riders won’t have to worry about chain slap, mis-shifting or other gear issues commonly associated with derailleurs, because this simply built bike aims at removing the worry in riding. The Takara Kabuto is dialed in straight from the factory and ready to roll right out the door.

Why It Rules The Road

Because Takara made their Kabuto series bicycle a single speed, riders don’t have to worry about the drivetrain falling apart over the course of the bike’s lifetime. There is front derailleur, rear derailleur or crankset to worry about a chain coming loose during extended use. The chain is already dialed in perfectly to work with the front and rear gear cogs, just like any true single speed should be. Of course, this isn’t a fixie, so braking duties are handled by ergonomically designed alloy side pull brakes, located on the very front of the handlebar setup. Takara delivers the Kabuto Single Speed bicycle with handlebars pre-wrapped, therefore your rig is ready to ride straight out of the box.

Riders can shave a bit of weight by changing out parts like the factory 90-degree stem (which can be shortened and lowered), the steel seatpost and the steal toe clips on the stock pedals. Likewise, many riders may find a kickstand completely unnecessary, therefore parts like this can be removed. The handlebar setup is a road-specific wrap-under steel bar, which may account for some of the extra weight felt on the frontend of the bike. Not to worry, because affordable yet lightweight handlebar solutions can easily drop down those unwanted pounds.

Features of the Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike

The Takara Kabuto single speed road bike frame and fork set is constructed entirely out of steel. While this may not be the lightest option for riders, it’s certainly the most affordable and arguably the most durable choice. Weighing in at just under 30 pounds, the Kabuto is outfitted with a great pair of reliable alloy wheelset, as the rims and hub are both constructed of the metallic material. Joytech alloy hubs help stabilize the front and rear wheels, saving weight and providing maximum reliability when it’s needed most. Horizontal dropouts also help ensure the wheels stay perfectly in-tune with the frame of the bike.

Despite receiving an average of 4.2 stars out of a possible 5, there are still some negative reviews by users on Amazon. However, most of these reviews are shipping issues or Amazon flaws and not actually concerns with the bike itself.

Summary

Takara designed the Kabuto to fit the budget-friendly consumers idea of a great single-speed road bike, and they completed that goal rather well. In order to remain safe during your bike rides, it’s recommended that you take the Kabuto into a local bike shop for a tune-up once it’s been built after shipment.